Member News

A business networking group launched to raise vital funds for charity is going from strength to strength. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) unveiled its Business Circle – a new corporate venture open to companies across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex – in June. Members have the chance to build connections and attend events, while at the same time making a financial commitment to EACH. The group has already caught the attention of companies across all four counties and a special brunch event recently took place at Royal Norwich Golf Club, hosted by MCB Financial. “We had a fabulous, productive and positive day and are grateful to Mark Burton, from MCB Financial, for giving us this wonderful platform,” said EACH Corporate Fundraising Manager Caroline Allen. “In addition to being extremely useful from a networking perspective, I’m pleased to say we secured ten new sign-ups. “There were more great conversations with other attendees, with the potential for additional support moving forward.” An added bonus was £560 being raised from a raffle where the top prize was a VIP box at Happy Christmas Ipswich – the music and comedy spectacular organised by EACH Patron Griff Rhys Jones and taking place at the Ipswich Regent on 4^th December. The cost to join the Business Circle is £1,000 a year, including VAT, and membership includes the chance to visit one of the charity’s hospices. Twelve supporters were given a guided tour of Milton on Friday and had the opportunity to find out more about EACH’s work. Another group are due to visit The Nook, in Framingham Earl, on 13^th October. Members have the opportunity to sponsor events at a discounted rate, in addition to being a host venue for networking functions. There are also PR opportunities, in addition to having exclusive use of the Business Circle logo for internal communications, as well as being featured on EACH’s dedicated Business Circle webpage and being listed in EACH’s Report and Accounts. The first full Business Circle event, for both members and non-members (for whom the cost is £15), is being held at Bedford Lodge Hotel, in Newmarket, on 2^nd November. To sign up, head here. “We rely on voluntary donations and a key part of our fundraising income comes from corporate friends and supporters,” added Caroline. “This is a very special opportunity to cement that commitment, by pledging a certain amount every year – money that will make a tangible difference to the families, children and young people receiving our care and support. “It’s also a golden opportunity for companies to come together and join us at one of our quarterly networking events. “It will give them an opportunity to make new contacts and forge connections with businesses across East Anglia. “Those who sign up will be helping us continue our vital work, offering a family-centred, needs-led approach to care and ensuring all the needs of the children and young people we care for are met – whether that be psychological, physical, emotional, social or spiritual.” To read more or sign up, head here. Alternatively, email Caroline via (caroline.allen@each.org.uk), Laura Southcott (Norfolk) via laura.southcott@each.org.uk, Hannah Forbester (Cambridge and West Essex) via hannah.forbester@each.org.uk, Billie Nugent (Suffolk and East Essex) via billie.nugent@each.org.uk or Rachel Mayes-Dally (Suffolk and East Essex) via rachel.mayes-dally@each.org.uk

29.09.2023, Norfolk UK: Last week, a team of seven trekkers walked 100 miles for the UK’s 54 children’s hospices including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The team, made up of crafting superstore Hobbycraft’s leadership team, and leading children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives’ Chief Executive, are aiming to raise £50,000 to support the UK’s 54 children’s hospices. Setting off in Thetford on Friday 22 September, the trekkers – known as the ‘Magnificent Seven’ – completed the Angles Way Walk through Norfolk and Suffolk, finishing in Great Yarmouth on Monday 25 September. The trek is their eighth, which has so far totalled 800 miles for seriously ill children and their families across the country. One family in particular were cheering on the team from their local children’s hospice, EACH. Five-year-old Libby, from Peterborough, lives with Bohring-Opitz syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the development of many parts of the body. Libby needs 24/7 care and is unable to sit, crawl or walk. She is severely delayed, having to have someone watch her at all times to check she is safe. She also needs postural care, is being treated for seizures and is fed through a feeding tube 16-hours-a-day. Libby’s mum Kirsty said: “EACH is a massive part of our lives. Since that first devastating diagnosis when Libby was just three months old, we’ve been supported in so many ways by the incredible team there. From symptom management and hydrotherapy sessions for Libby, to sibling days for Libby’s brother Jake and respite stays for the whole family, I’m really not sure where we’d be without them. “It’s heartwarming to know that there are fantastic people out there like those from Hobbycraft and Together for Short Lives who are going the extra mile to support families like mine across the country.” Dominic Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of Hobbycraft, said: “We know first-hand from 10 years of partnership with Together for Short Lives just how much of a lifeline hospices are for families of seriously ill children. They are places full of life and joy, and give families the time and space to make precious memories – something that sits at the very heart of our partnership. While the trek really put us to the test, it is nothing compared to the hardship these families face every day, and we are so proud to play our part in supporting them.” The Magnificent Seven were supported by Hobbycraft colleagues across the country, including those in Kings Lynn and Cambridge, who took on their own fundraising over the weekend to help reach the £50,000 target. Since 2013, Hobbycraft has partnered with leading children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives. Each of their 116 stores is twinned with a local children’s hospice and Hobbycraft teams up and down the country have raised over £2.5 million so far through the partnership to support seriously ill children and their families, cared for by hospices like EACH. Andy Fletcher, Chief Executive of Together for Short Lives, said: “We’ve been so fortunate to have the incredible support of Hobbycraft for over 10 years and in that time, we’ve witnessed such compassion and creativity from them, not to mention eight years of trekking! The Angles Way Walk was challenging, but we were motivated every step of the way knowing we were walking through the vast area EACH covers, and just how many families they help every single day. “I am so grateful to my fellow trekkers, and to the Hobbycraft teams up and down the country who fundraised throughout the weekend. The money raised will help us in our mission to make sure families like Libby’s have access to the best palliative care, when and when they need it.” For more information or to sponsor the trek team, head to https://www.justgiving.com/page/hobbycraft-team-1691073354541  

After months of brainstorming and development, the brand-new CallEEAST website is now LIVE! A lot of hard work has gone into this new website to ensure users experience a smooth journey throughout and that they can easily understand what CallEEAST offer, as well as our link with the East of England Ambulance Service. This is part of our overall growth plans and will support us in reaching organisations that are looking for Contact Centre Services. The website offers an insight into all our outsourced contact centre services, our team, expertise and information about how all our profits are reinvested into the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust. If you’re interested in checking out the new website, head to https://www.calleeast.co.uk/. CallEEAST would love your feedback on the website. This is something we will be continually improving and developing, so any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Please send over all feedback to Erin at erin.guyton@eastamb.nhs.uk. Thank you!

This ban applies to England only From 1 October 2023 there will be additional bans and restrictions on single-use plastic items. Further guidance for businesses on the new regulations can be found on Gov.uk. You can also download the poster to find out more. We want to ensure industry stakeholders – retailers, suppliers and manufacturers – are aware of the changes coming into effect, when they will be required to make them and why the ban is coming into force. The upcoming ban includes polystyrene cups and food containers, single-use plastic cutlery and single-use balloon sticks. There will also be a restriction to the supply of single-use plastic trays and bowls to members of the public, although businesses can continue to supply these items if they are used as packaging in shelf-ready pre-packaged food items. How to prepare for the single-use plastics ban: The government response to the consultation on these bans, published in January, set out that these restrictions would be introduced from October 2023 instead of April 2023, giving businesses more time to prepare. Businesses will need to use up existing stock and find alternative substitutes or reuse solutions by 1 October 2023. This ban compliments the existing restrictions on other single-use plastic items including plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers and our carrier bag charge. Why we are banning single-use plastics The government is committed to tackling plastic pollution and littering and to reduce avoidable waste. Single-use plastics have damaging environmental impacts as they are commonly littered and are difficult to recycle. These impacts need to be managed so that we can protect our environment. Damaging environmental impacts: Plastic pollution takes hundreds of years to break down and inflicts serious damage to the environment. It is also a source of greenhouse gas emissions, from the production and manufacture of the plastic itself to the way it is disposed of. Unnecessary littering: England uses around 2.7 billion items of single-use cutlery — most of which are plastic — and 721 million single-use plates per year, but only 10% are recycled. Enforcement We know that people and businesses want to do the right thing for the environment and support our ban on single-use plastics. However, if the rules are not complied with, a range of enforcement options have been provided, including both civil and criminal sanctions. The bans will be enforced by Trading Standards.  More information

• Access single-use plastics ban Q&As 
• Download the single-use plastics ban poster, as illustrated below, to see what items are included and what items are exempt
• View the single-use plastics ban toolkit for useful communication products
• Guidance: New restrictions on polystyrene cups and food containers, single-use plastic cutlery, balloon sticks, trays, bowls and plates 
• Guidance: Existing single-use plastic item restrictions
• Guidance: Carrier bag charge.

Further questions

• If you have any questions about what the new rules mean for your business, please email our Plastics team.
• You can also visit the Defra stand at the Restaurants and Takeaway packaging Expoon Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 October 2023, where you can speak directly with the our experts.

Sign up to the UK Plastics Pact Members of the UK Plastics Pact have achieved an 84% reduction in unnecessary single-use plastics since 2018 by successfully driving the reuse of problematic plastic items. To find out more and to be part of this success, please sign up here. Thank you to businesses and trade associations who have already offered to share information to help businesses comply with the ban by generating further public awareness and understanding of the need to minimise single use plastic waste. If you are a trade association, please share this with your potentially impacted businesses. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-plastics-ban-plates-bowls-trays-containers-cutlery-and-balloon-sticks

Get Anglian waste recycling to dispose of your waste quote: Chambers to receive 10% off!

Hours: 37 hours per week Monday to Friday Locations: King’s Lynn and West Norfolk- Office based Salary: £24,977 per annum Annual Leave: 20 days plus bank holidays Pension: 4.5% contribution Norfolk Citizens Advice is seeking a dedicated Caseworker to join the Crisis and Energy Department. Would you like to make a difference in the lives of people in the community? The Role: The Caseworker will receive training in providing advice.  Their main role will be working on our energy projects and Digital Inclusion work. The successful candidate will be asked to work on other projects within the Crisis and Energy Department to meet our client’s needs, training will be offered for these additional projects. The role includes:

1. Engaging with community leaders and facilitating group sessions for vulnerable individuals from under-represented communities, focusing on Crisis and Energy Projects. This involves helping them access specialist energy advice and other support services
2. Securing funding and resources to provide digital devices and delivering personalized 1-1 support and digital skills training to individuals facing digital exclusion during crisis situations.
3. As needed, assist with office management tasks in Kings Lynn and the Western Norfolk area. This includes providing support to volunteers, overseeing office operations (opening, closing and general management), conducting quality checks, and ensuring all work aligns with our standards.

What we’re looking for Essential Criteria

• Experience working with people with multiple and complex needs
• Ability to work without supervision and prioritise workload
• Proficient IT skills to carry out your work, including case management systems, Microsoft Office applications, online applications, internet and email etc.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and accessible manner
• Excellent organisational skills
• A proven ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders
• A commitment to the aims, principles and policies of Citizens Advice
• Team player
• Ability to use telephony and IT systems to deliver services across multiple channels (face-to-face, web chat and telephony) and the ability to use bespoke systems including online referral systems and the Citizens Advice “Casebook” system.
• Experience of key holder responsibilities/office management

Desirable Criteria:

• Completion of Citizens Advice Adviser Training Programme
• Qualification in Energy Advice for example City & Guilds Energy Awareness
• Renewable Energy
• Public speaking
• Basic knowledge of multiple enquiry areas to aid with identifying emergencies and making referrals where appropriate
• Experience in managing volunteers
• Knowledge of basic health and safety requirements
• Knowledge of data security
• Knowledge of safeguarding

Citizens Advice is committed to equal opportunities both in service provision and employment. We offer our staff: Ongoing support and professional development 4.5% employer pension contribution Opportunity for flexible working Employee Assistance Programme 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata) Please APPLY HERE

Title of Post:          Adviser-Crisis and Energy Department Responsible to:         Energy Team Leader Salary:                          £23,144 per annum (pro-rata) Hours:                          37 hours per week Monday to Friday Locations:                   Office Based in Great Yarmouth Annual Leave:            20 days plus bank holidays Pension:                      4.5% contribution Norfolk Citizens Advice is seeking a dedicated Adviser to join the Crisis and Energy Department. The Role: The Energy Adviser will provide energy advice to vulnerable consumers/clients who are struggling to pay their bills.  Energy advice includes advice on fuel options, tariffs and energy grants, as well as energy efficiency advice, with the aim of reducing their bills. Key Responsibilities:

• Understanding tariffs, bills and fuel options including switching methods
• Providing advice on energy efficiency measures, thermal efficiency measures, and identifying grants available including ECO
• Providing benefit entitlement checks and/or assistance in claiming benefits
• This includes checks for eligibility and applications for Warm Home Discount
• (WHD), rebates available from energy suppliers and the Priority Services Register
• Support with complaints or customer service issues with an energy company
• Advice on dealing with and reducing fuel debt, including accessing financial support to pay off fuel debts through charitable grants, and ongoing payment plans. This is aimed at giving clients long-term relief from fuel poverty
• Providing financial assistance to be spent towards energy bills, including rebates, to households that are particularly at risk of fuel poverty or in emergency situations
• Smart Meter advice
• It will be a requirement for staff working on EAP to complete all 6 modules of our energy training programme.

Satisfactory clearance of a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) is required. Person specification Essential Criteria

• A sound working knowledge of providing energy advice
• Knowledge of home energy efficiency, renewable energy and low-carbon technologies
• Experience working with people with multiple and complex needs
• Ability to work without supervision and prioritise workload
• Experience in using a range of IT tools to carry out your work, including case management systems, Microsoft Office applications, online applications, the internet and email etc.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and accessible manner
• Excellent organisational skills
• A proven ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders
• A commitment to the aims, principles and policies of Citizens Advice
• Ability to operate as a team player and communicate effectively with colleagues and managers
• Ability to use telephony and IT systems to deliver services across multiple channels (face-to-face, web chat and telephony) and the ability to use bespoke systems including online referral systems and the Citizens Advice “Casebook” system.

Desirable Criteria:

• Completion of Citizens Advice Adviser Training Programme
• Qualification in Energy Advice for example City & Guilds Energy Awareness
• Renewable Energy
• Delivery of community projects
• Project and event management
• Public speaking
• Basic knowledge of multiple enquiry areas to aid with identifying emergencies and making referrals where appropriate

Additional requirements Ability to travel to locations within Norfolk to attend appointments, meetings and events. Citizens Advice is committed to equal opportunities both in service provision and employment. We offer our staff: Ongoing support and professional development 4.5% employer pension contribution Opportunity for flexible working Employee Assistance Programme 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)  

Employer: Norfolk Citizens Advice Title of Post: Advice Centre Adviser Responsible to: Advice Centre Manager Location: Breckland area Office Based Salary: £23,144 per annum Working hours: 37 hr per week Monday to Friday Full Time Annual leave: 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays Pension: 4.5% contribution Closing date: 16th October Job Purpose To give advice via phone, email and webchat on a variety of issues faced by clients for example relationships, housing, benefits etc Responsibilities:

• Build rapport with clients via active listening, asking engaging questions

• Lead with empathy and respect

• Support our clients in delivering high-quality benefits advice

• Delivering advice via digital platforms (Telephone and Email)

• Delivering good client outcomes

• Follow AQS (Advice Quality Standards)

• Keeping systems up to date and accurate at all time

• Meeting any given targets

• Supporting volunteers in the office and online

• Dealing with NCAN referrals and Energy queries

• 1 day per week working with Yorkshire Building Society in Swaffham
• Covering Foodbank in Watton on Thursday afternoon and Attleborough on Tuesday mornings

Full training will be given Satisfactory clearance of a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) is required. The above may be subject to alteration from time to time according to any changes in service delivery, politics or priorities.  Any such changes will be carried out following consultation with all parties involved.   Person specification Please note your application will be shortlisted against the highlighted criteria Experience

• Recent experience in advice delivery, administration and benefits

Essential Knowledge

• Basic Legal and benefits knowledge

Essential Skills

• Excellent IT Skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work under direction
• Ability to exercise initiative as appropriate
• Excellent organisational skills
• Good telephone manner
• Ability to build rapport on digital platforms
• Proven excellence in attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to relate to a wide range of people including professionals, colleagues, members of the public and other agencies
• Proven ability to manage own workloads and meet deadlines and commitments
• Driving licence and car essential

General Flexible approach to working which may include occasional evening and weekend working What we give our staff We offer our staff: Comprehensive induction and training to become an accredited Adviser Ongoing support and professional development 4.5% employer pension contribution Opportunity for flexible working Free access to an independent Employee Assistance Programme 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays  

Only a few institutions worldwide earn ‘Microsoft Showcase School status’ and Langley School, in the East of England, is now one of them. Microsoft Showcase Schools are an elite group of schools that exemplify the best of teaching and learning, using technology, in the world today. In 2021, Langley embarked on a digital transformation journey that has now become a beacon of innovation. It has invested in and embedded the use of technology throughout the curriculum, with a state-of-the-art wireless infrastructure that enables the use of technology throughout the buildings but also through the vast School grounds. All pupils and students from Year 3 are issued with their own one-to-one device. This has also been created within a safe and secure environment that allows the school to manage the content pupils are able to access, both in and out of school. Headmaster, Jon Perriss said, “I am so pleased that the hard work by so many has been recognised and rewarded in this manner; the changes in our digital provision during the past few years have been transformative, this gives us an energetic, positive boost to continue forward and build on the award.” Director of Digital Services, Sam Youngs comments, “Langley School is focussed on being a sector leader in Educational Digital Delivery. We have embarked on a journey ensuring that we are providing the skills for our entire community, making the most of the technology available to us. Our use of technology has been made possible through the implementation of industry-leading infrastructure and end-user devices that allow our pupils, staff and parents to access, create and deliver educational content throughout our school. “Being a Microsoft Showcase School demonstrates how we have embraced technology as a catalyst for positive change, weaving it into the fabric of our educational programs to enhance pupil engagement, collaboration, and achievement. Showcase Schools serve as living examples of how educational technology can elevate learning outcomes, preparing pupils with future-ready skills. “Being selected for the 2023-2024 academic year celebrates that we have not only embraced technological advancements but have also created inclusive and pupil-centred environments where learners are encouraged to explore, experiment, and excel. “Everyone at Langley School should be proud of what has been achieved by receiving this recognition, and this is just the start of our continued growth of the use of technology to enhance the educational experience of all our young people at Langley School.”

Charity shop staff and volunteers time-warped back to the 1940s for a weekend of nostalgia in north Norfolk. Businesses in the town were encouraged to get involved and teams from the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shops in Sheringham and Holt joined the festivities, raising nearly £4,000. They rolled back the years by wearing outfits from the era and sold vintage clothing and memorabilia to help raise extra funds. There were donation buckets in EACH’s Sheringham shop, in Station Road, and generous 1940s enthusiasts donated £117. Meanwhile, the Holt team secured a free pitch at the town’s railway station, setting up a pop-up shop and making a staggering £1,400. “What an incredible weekend,” said EACH Retail Manager and North-East Cluster Manager Naomi Munro. “Everyone loved getting in the spirit and our Sheringham shop was packed with 1940s enthusiasts. “Both staff and volunteers came dressed up and worked hard to get everything ready, handing out refreshments throughout. “Many of our customers also wore special outfits so it was great fun. “At the same time, our team from Holt were busy selling vintage wares to revellers and, over the course of two days, they made a staggering £1,400. “Sarah Hipkin (Holt Shop Manager) and Mark Buller (Relief and Support Manager) manned the pitch all weekend. A lot of hard work went into it and they pulled out all the stops to raise extra funds for EACH. “Overall, we had a blast and are already planning next year’s event.” The ‘Steam Back to The Forties’ weekend, celebrating the camaraderie and spirit of the era, was organised by North Norfolk Railway and the Sheringham Carnival Committee and took place on 16^th and 17^th September. Between the Sheringham shop and the Holt stall, £3,766 was raised for EACH. Anyone interested in lending a hand and volunteering in either shop can call Naomi on 01263 800887 or email naomi.munro@each.org.uk or volunteerservices@each.org.uk For more information about volunteering for EACH, head to www.each.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering

A bereaved grandad is preparing for a day of mud, water and obstacles as a way of raising funds and thanking the children’s hospice that helped his family during a “heart-wrenching” time. Ziggy Nash has signed up for The Boss Hog – an event featuring more than 40 obstacles over a sapping seven-mile course – to show his gratitude to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The charity offered invaluable support when granddaughter Violet-May died in October 2021, aged just ten days old. She had a serious heart condition known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, as well as pulmonary valve dysplasia and mild pulmonary valve regurgitation, and received end-of-life care at The Nook. Ziggy said it was a devastating time for his daughter, Baylee, and her partner, Tom Pipe, but, amid their heartache, they found comfort and support at The Nook. “Seeing Baylee go through something like that was absolutely heart-wrenching,” said Ziggy, who lives in Norwich. “It was awful and horrendous. “As her dad, I felt completely helpless. There was so little I could do, apart from being there and offering support to Baylee and Tom. “However, EACH was amazing every step of the way and I can’t imagine going through something like that without the support of so many kind, caring people. “We were welcomed with loving arms and looked after so well, even down to making sure we had enough to eat and drink. “The hardest thing was telling my two youngest children, who were then ten and 11. “I was dreading it and didn’t know how to explain such an awful thing. “However, we had fantastic support from one of the counsellors. “She helped us and gave us great advice in terms of the language to use. “The Nook is an incredible place and we’ll always have a connection. “We still go back for events and people remember us. We certainly don’t feel forgotten about and that means a lot.” Ziggy and other family members took part in The Piglet Junior Hog fundraiser in July 2022, raising nearly £2,000. Now the 37-year-old, who lives in Norwich, is preparing for a tougher challenge, The Boss Hog, on 8^th October. The fundraiser is taking place at Wantisden Hall, in Wantisden Valley, Woodbridge. He has rallied a team of 12, including friends and colleagues from Anglian Water and the IMRWR Alliance. They have called themselves Violet-May’s Water Boys. “This is my way of doing something to raise more money,” he said. “EACH will forever be a massive part of us all and, as a family, we want to help in any way we can. “After taking part in The Piglet Junior Hog, I fancied doing something else and started reading about The Whole Hog. “It sounded great but, for the sake of another couple of miles, and a few more obstacles, I thought I’d push myself and do The Boss Hog “I have a physical job but I definitely wouldn’t say I’m the fittest. “So in the last six or seven weeks I’ve started doing the Couch to 5k app. I go out and run first thing and am enjoying getting stronger and stronger. “Hopefully I’ll take it in my stride on the day. I’m certainly not worrying and expect it to be a lot of fun. “I’m there as part of a team and there will be a lot of morale support and encouragement. Hopefully we’ll have a good laugh together.” Ziggy celebrates his 38^th birthday two days before The Boss Hog. Fittingly, Violet-May would have been two the day before, on 7^th October. “It’s certainly going to be a very different birthday, rather than sitting in the pub having a few beers,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll be able to have a couple of pints afterwards to celebrate completing the challenge.” To show your support and sponsor Ziggy, head here. There is still time to sign up for both The Whole Hog (30+ obstacles and a five-mile course) and The Boss Hog (40+ obstacles and a seven-mile course). To find out more and sign up, head here.

Two hard-working charity shop employees have been speaking of their journey into full-time employment and how volunteering helped launch their retail careers. Emma Parks is manager of the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop in Aylsham Road, Norwich, and she is supported by sales assistant Tanya Davies. Both have a close connection with the shop and are proud to be on the payroll, having previously given their time as volunteers. Mum-of-three Emma started helping out six years ago, after losing her previous job. She chose to volunteer as a stop-gap while applying for other roles but was encouraged to throw her name into the hat when the deputy manager’s position became available. She duly landed the role and, after a couple of spells supporting other EACH shops as relief manager, she became manager in her own right last October. “It’s been quite a journey and I feel very happy and proud to be in this position,” said the 41-year-old. “I love it here and would definitely recommend volunteering to anyone, especially if they have designs on a career in retail. “It can be a fantastic stepping stone and gives you an amazing sense of achievement, doing something to help others. “EACH is an incredible charity and it’s nice being able to give something back. “During my year of volunteering, I hadn’t thought about the possibility of joining the staff here. I just wanted to get out of the house, rather than sitting around doing nothing. “I was only supposed to come in twice a week but ended up volunteering nearly every day, because I had such a positive feel for the shop and people. “I was still applying for other jobs but was encouraged to go for the deputy manager’s job when it became available. “I felt so appreciated and supported, which is still the case now, and the then-manager gave me the confidence to apply. “Thankfully, I haven’t looked back since and I’ve learnt so much since becoming an employee. The training is great and I’m learning all the time.” Tanya is similarly positive about volunteering at Aylsham Road, having done it for six years before becoming sales assistant in January. “I love everything about our shop and am very proud of it,” said the mum of two, who also has three grandchildren. “I still had a cleaning job when I started volunteering and even used to come in on days when I wasn’t supposed to be here. “I liked the people so much and have always enjoyed being busy. “EACH is a great cause and when the opportunity to apply for a job came up I grabbed it with both hands. “I’ve gained lots of experience and learnt lots of new skills, so it’s definitely been a very positive thing for me. “Volunteering was the starting point, though, and it’s definitely something I’d recommend to others, especially if they like the idea of working in retail. “You learn so much on the job. I’d never used a cash register in my life and now it’s something I love doing, having a chat with customers. “My advice to anyone interested in volunteering or retail would be to go for it.” To find out more about volunteering at Aylsham Road, pop into the shop, email emma.parks@each.org.uk or Tanya.Davies@each.org.uk or call 01603 301475.